Explore the city by foot: Skip the car or bus for the day and embark on a walking tour of the city. Explore familiar neighborhoods like you would a new neighborhood in a European city; duck into every shop, stop at a cafe for a bit and spend an hour people watching in a local park before making the trek to the next neighborhood.

Image 1 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Explore the city by foot: Skip the car or bus for the day and embark on a walking tour of the city. Explore familiar neighborhoods like you would a new neighborhood in a European city; duck into every shop, stop at a cafe for a bit and spend an hour people watching in a local park before making the trek to the next neighborhood.

Explore the city by foot: Skip the car or bus for the...day and embark on a walking tour of the city. Explore familiar...neighborhoods like you would a new neighborhood in a European city;...duck into every shop, stop at a cafe for a bit and spend an hour...people watching in a local park before making the trek to the next...neighborhood.

Image 2 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

The Chronicle

Take the stairs: ﻿If walking the hills isn't enough for you, consider taking a staircase tour. Make it a point to climb the city's prettiest staircases. (You can find a bunch of them included here.) And don't forget to take in the view from the top.

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Take the stairs: ﻿If walking the hills isn't enough for you, consider taking a staircase tour. Make it a point to climb the city's prettiest staircases. (You can find a bunch of them included here.) And don't forget to take in the view from the top.

Take the stairs: ﻿If walking the hills isn't enough...for you, consider taking a staircase tour. Make it a point to climb...the city's prettiest staircases. (You can find a bunch of them included here.) And don't forget to take in...the view from the top.

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AP

History lessons: When you've had your fill of exploring contemporary S.F. life on foot, take a jaunt into the past with a an historic walking tour of the city. The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society offers some options, including the Barbary Coast Trail Tour.

Image 3 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

History lessons: When you've had your fill of exploring contemporary S.F. life on foot, take a jaunt into the past with a an historic walking tour of the city. The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society offers some options, including the Barbary Coast Trail Tour.

History lessons: When you've had your fill of...exploring contemporary S.F. life on foot, take a jaunt into the past...with a an historic walking tour of the city. The San Francisco Museum...and Historical Society offers some...options, including the Barbary Coast Trail Tour.

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Associated Press

Get outdoorsy: If your usual vacation consists of more outdoor adventures than urban exploration, ditch the sidewalk in favor of hiking paths. In San Francisco, check out Sutro Heights Park, Mount Davidson and Lobos Creek Trail. Head out of the city to try one of these East Bay outings or visit the Marin Headlands or Mt. Tam up north.

Image 4 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Get outdoorsy: If your usual vacation consists of more outdoor adventures than urban exploration, ditch the sidewalk in favor of hiking paths. In San Francisco, check out Sutro Heights Park, Mount Davidson and Lobos Creek Trail. Head out of the city to try one of these East Bay outings or visit the Marin Headlands or Mt. Tam up north.

Get outdoorsy: If your usual vacation consists of...more outdoor adventures than urban exploration, ditch the sidewalk in...favor of hiking paths. In San Francisco, check out Sutro Heights Park,...Mount Davidson and Lobos Creek Trail. Head out of the city to try one of these East Bay outings or...visit the Marin Headlands or Mt. Tam up north.

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The Chronicle

Picnic in the park: How many times have you stared out your office window on a sunny S.F. day wishing you could be lounging outside? Your staycation is your chance (assuming the weather cooperates). Spend the lunch hour (or three) at a favorite park with provisions from a sandwich spot you love. Bring along some of that reading material you've had piling up.

Image 5 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Picnic in the park: How many times have you stared out your office window on a sunny S.F. day wishing you could be lounging outside? Your staycation is your chance (assuming the weather cooperates). Spend the lunch hour (or three) at a favorite park with provisions from a sandwich spot you love. Bring along some of that reading material you've had piling up.

Picnic in the park: How many times have you stared...out your office window on a sunny S.F. day wishing you could be...lounging outside? Your staycation is your chance (assuming the...weather cooperates). Spend the lunch hour (or three) at a favorite...park with provisions from a sandwich spot you love. Bring along some...of that reading material you've had piling up.

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The Chronicle

Go to all the places you can never get into: If a decadent meal is more akin to your ideal vacation than a bagged lunch, take the opportunity to visit your favorite S.F. hot spot on a weekday without the crowds. Enjoy a leisurely mid-morning breakfast at Tartine or Outerlands ...

Image 6 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Go to all the places you can never get into: If a decadent meal is more akin to your ideal vacation than a bagged lunch, take the opportunity to visit your favorite S.F. hot spot on a weekday without the crowds. Enjoy a leisurely mid-morning breakfast at Tartine or Outerlands ...

Go to all the places you can never get into: If a...decadent meal is more akin to your ideal vacation than a bagged lunch,...take the opportunity to visit your favorite S.F. hot spot on a weekday...without the crowds. Enjoy a leisurely mid-morning breakfast at Tartine...or Outerlands ...

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The Chronicle

Or grab lunch without (much of) a line at a popular place like Swan Oyster Depot or Tony's Pizza Napoletana. (OK, there's still going to be a line at Swan Oyster Depot, but at least you can justify the wait if you've got a day to spare. Here are some other options to help you avoid a line.)

Image 7 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Or grab lunch without (much of) a line at a popular place like Swan Oyster Depot or Tony's Pizza Napoletana. (OK, there's still going to be a line at Swan Oyster Depot, but at least you can justify the wait if you've got a day to spare. Here are some other options to help you avoid a line.)

Or grab lunch without (much of) a line at a popular place like Swan...Oyster Depot or Tony's Pizza Napoletana. (OK, there's still going to...be a line at Swan Oyster Depot, but at least you can justify the wait...if you've got a day to spare. Here are some other options to help you avoid a...line.)

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The Chronicle

Catch a flick: An early weekday matinee offers the luxury of watching a movie on the big screen without a theater audience ruining the experience. If you've got free time, you can even make it a double feature.

Image 8 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Catch a flick: An early weekday matinee offers the luxury of watching a movie on the big screen without a theater audience ruining the experience. If you've got free time, you can even make it a double feature.

Catch a flick: An early weekday matinee offers the...luxury of watching a movie on the big screen without a theater...audience ruining the experience. If you've got free time, you can even...make it a double feature.

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The Chronicle

Game night: For more hands-on entertainment, bust out the board games. Or, head to Candybar and play one of their games while digging into a sweet treat.

Image 9 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Game night: For more hands-on entertainment, bust out the board games. Or, head to Candybar and play one of their games while digging into a sweet treat.

Game night: For more hands-on entertainment, bust out...the board games. Or, head to Candybar and play one of their games...while digging into a sweet treat.

Image 10 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

Special to The Chronicle

Dessert first: Vacation is a time to indulge a bit so don't feel bad if you want to skip the games and focus solely on dessert. Grab a seat at The Ice Cream Bar counter and order the sundae of your choice. Prefer a cone and a stroll? Head to Bi-Rite Creamery.

Image 10 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Dessert first: Vacation is a time to indulge a bit so don't feel bad if you want to skip the games and focus solely on dessert. Grab a seat at The Ice Cream Bar counter and order the sundae of your choice. Prefer a cone and a stroll? Head to Bi-Rite Creamery.

Dessert first: Vacation is a time to indulge a bit so...don't feel bad if you want to skip the games and focus solely on...dessert. Grab a seat at The Ice Cream Bar counter and order the sundae...of your choice. Prefer a cone and a stroll? Head to Bi-Rite Creamery.

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The Chronicle

Late-night eats: No matter where you spend your vacation, sleeping in is another perk that comes with taking a break from work. If everyday's a Saturday, then every night is a Friday, so plan your time accordingly. Dine like you're in Europe and head to Nopa on the late night just because you can. For other spots that stay open late, check out some suggestions from Michael Bauer.

Image 11 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Late-night eats: No matter where you spend your vacation, sleeping in is another perk that comes with taking a break from work. If everyday's a Saturday, then every night is a Friday, so plan your time accordingly. Dine like you're in Europe and head to Nopa on the late night just because you can. For other spots that stay open late, check out some suggestions from Michael Bauer.

Late-night eats: No matter where you spend your...vacation, sleeping in is another perk that comes with taking a break...from work. If everyday's a Saturday, then every night is a Friday, so...plan your time accordingly. Dine like you're in Europe and head to...Nopa on the late night just because you can. For other spots that stay...open late, check out some suggestions from Michael...Bauer.

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The Chronicle

Splurge: Since you're saving money on airfare, treat yourself to one night at a Nob Hill hotel. Do it up with room service and a spa treatment or just a long soak in the tub, depending on the amenities.

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Splurge: Since you're saving money on airfare, treat yourself to one night at a Nob Hill hotel. Do it up with room service and a spa treatment or just a long soak in the tub, depending on the amenities.

Splurge: Since you're saving money on airfare, treat...yourself to one night at a Nob Hill hotel. Do it up with room service...and a spa treatment or just a long soak in the tub, depending on the...amenities.

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SFC

Bloody Mary with a view: For the benefits of a swank hotel experience without the actual expense, head over the bridge to Cavallo Point Lodge for a lazy brunch and Bloody Marys on the deck at Murray Circle.

Image 13 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Bloody Mary with a view: For the benefits of a swank hotel experience without the actual expense, head over the bridge to Cavallo Point Lodge for a lazy brunch and Bloody Marys on the deck at Murray Circle.

Bloody Mary with a view: For the benefits of a swank...hotel experience without the actual expense, head over the bridge to...Cavallo Point Lodge for a lazy brunch and Bloody Marys on the deck at...Murray Circle.

Image 14 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

Special to the Chronicle

Lounge by the pool: If the risk of chilly weather is too much for you there, keep driving north to Wine Country for a day poolside at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Weekends are packed, but since you've got a weekday at your disposal, purchase a day pass or live it up with a cabine rental.

Image 14 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Lounge by the pool: If the risk of chilly weather is too much for you there, keep driving north to Wine Country for a day poolside at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Weekends are packed, but since you've got a weekday at your disposal, purchase a day pass or live it up with a cabine rental.

Lounge by the pool: If the risk of chilly weather is...too much for you there, keep driving north to Wine Country for a day...poolside at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Weekends are packed, but...since you've got a weekday at your disposal, purchase a day pass or live it up with a cabine rental.

Image 15 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

Special to The Chronicle

Getaway for the day: ﻿One of the best parts of living in the Bay Area is the abundance of destination worthy beaches, hiking spots and small towns just a short drive away. Take a mini road trip to Occidental, Pescadero or, if you're feeling ambitious, Placerville or Nevada City. Here are some other great nearby small towns.

Image 15 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Getaway for the day: ﻿One of the best parts of living in the Bay Area is the abundance of destination worthy beaches, hiking spots and small towns just a short drive away. Take a mini road trip to Occidental, Pescadero or, if you're feeling ambitious, Placerville or Nevada City. Here are some other great nearby small towns.

Getaway for the day: ﻿One of the best parts of...living in the Bay Area is the abundance of destination worthy beaches,...hiking spots and small towns just a short drive away. Take a mini road...trip to Occidental, Pescadero or, if you're feeling ambitious,...Placerville or Nevada City. Here are some other great...nearby small towns.

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The Chronicle

Beach vacation: Santa Cruz is just a short drive away but has many of the beachside perks of SoCal towns — sunbathing opportunities, surf lessons for beginners, a bustling wharf — along with the kid-friendly (admission-free) Beach Boardwalk. If you go on a weekday, you'll avoid the crazy big crowds, but get over Highway 17 early in the morning just to be on the safe side.

Image 16 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Beach vacation: Santa Cruz is just a short drive away but has many of the beachside perks of SoCal towns — sunbathing opportunities, surf lessons for beginners, a bustling wharf — along with the kid-friendly (admission-free) Beach Boardwalk. If you go on a weekday, you'll avoid the crazy big crowds, but get over Highway 17 early in the morning just to be on the safe side.

Beach vacation: Santa Cruz is just a short drive away...but has many of the beachside perks of SoCal towns — sunbathing...opportunities, surf lessons for beginners, a bustling wharf — along...with the kid-friendly (admission-free) Beach Boardwalk. If you go on a...weekday, you'll avoid the crazy big crowds, but get over Highway 17...early in the morning just to be on the safe side.

Image 17 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

The Chronicle

Sneak in some culture: And while we're on the subject of avoiding crowds, a weekday is a good opportunity to check out the latest exhibitions at one of the city's museums, like Gorgeous at the Asian Art Museum (through Sept. 14) and Matisse at the Legion of Honor (through Sept. 7).

Image 17 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Sneak in some culture: And while we're on the subject of avoiding crowds, a weekday is a good opportunity to check out the latest exhibitions at one of the city's museums, like Gorgeous at the Asian Art Museum (through Sept. 14) and Matisse at the Legion of Honor (through Sept. 7).

Sneak in some culture: And while we're on the subject...of avoiding crowds, a weekday is a good opportunity to check out the...latest exhibitions at one of the city's museums, like...Gorgeous at the Asian Art Museum (through Sept. 14) and...Matisse at the Legion of Honor (through Sept. 7).

Image 18 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

Getty Images

Tourist for the day: This is also the perfect time to justify doing those tourist activities you usually avoid: Alcatraz, Coit Tower, a cable car ride or rent bikes to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Image 18 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Tourist for the day: This is also the perfect time to justify doing those tourist activities you usually avoid: Alcatraz, Coit Tower, a cable car ride or rent bikes to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Tourist for the day: This is also the perfect time to...justify doing those tourist activities you usually avoid: Alcatraz,...Coit Tower, a cable car ride or rent bikes to ride across the Golden...Gate Bridge.

Summer camp for big kids: If the lazy days of your...summer staycation have you feeling nostalgic for summer camp, then...consider taking one of the numerous classes offered by various schools...and workshops in the city. With a great variety of classes, Workshop is a good place to...start looking, but there's also TechShop and The Cheese School of San...Francisco; 4505 Meats...has butcher classes and the Bourbon & Branch Beverage...Academy will teach you how to tipple properly. Check out the San Francisco...WoodShop, San Francisco Center for the...Book and The Sewing...Workshop. Basically, there's no shortage of opportunities, so...harness your inner 12 year old and start creating. (Pictured: Workshop...founders David Knight and Kelly Malone.)

Image 20 of 20|San Francisco staycation ideas

The Chronicle

Dine in, but make it big: On any given day there's a farmers' market going on in San Francisco — click here for a full list. Come up with a multi-course menu, buy some exceptional summer produce and get cooking. If you're feeling particularly generous, invite over some friends. They'll surely be so grateful to dig into a home-cooked meal after the work day, they'll be happy to help with the dishes.

Image 20 of 20 - San Francisco staycation ideas

Dine in, but make it big: On any given day there's a farmers' market going on in San Francisco — click here for a full list. Come up with a multi-course menu, buy some exceptional summer produce and get cooking. If you're feeling particularly generous, invite over some friends. They'll surely be so grateful to dig into a home-cooked meal after the work day, they'll be happy to help with the dishes.

Dine in, but make it big: On any given day there's a...farmers' market going on in San Francisco — click here for a full list. Come up with a multi-course...menu, buy some exceptional summer produce and get cooking. If you're...feeling particularly generous, invite over some friends. They'll...surely be so grateful to dig into a home-cooked meal after the work...day, they'll be happy to help with the dishes.

A great vacation doesn’t require a pricey airline ticket or hotel stay, especially in San Francisco, where anything you can’t find in the city is available just a short drive away. Which is exactly why we were confused when WalletHub.com recently ranked San Francisco number 40 (out of 100) on their list of best/worst cities for staycations — behind places like Omaha, Cleveland and Tulsa.

Not to say that those cities can’t be lovely places to spend a few days, but we take issue with WalletHub’s exclusion of San Francisco from the top 10, or heck, even the top 25. Perhaps their methodology, described below, is to blame:

…WalletHub considered 20 of the most important factors – from the number of public golf courses and swimming pools per capita to the cost of maid services – in ranking the 100 largest U.S. cities based on their staycation suitability.

We may not nail it in the golf course, swimming pool and maid services departments, but there’s the Pacific Ocean, Wine Country, world-class restaurants and only-in-S.F. culture to make up for it.

For those of you with some days off this summer and a desire to stay home, we’ve got a few ideas that will keep you entertained and prove S.F., and the Bay Area at large, is worthy of your vacation days. Leave your own suggestions below.